Newly planted lavender in a sunny border: the mistake that leads to overwatering

Your newly planted lavender needs help to establish roots during its first summer, but should still not be kept constantly wet. Water thoroughly when planting, then wait until the soil has dried out a little way down, roughly three to five centimetres. Check with a finger near the rootball, not just at the surface: a sunny, well-drained border can look dry on top long before the roots need more water.

In practice, that often means around one or two waterings a week during hot, dry spells, and less often in cooler or rainy weather. Water thoroughly and less frequently rather than a little every day. This encourages roots to grow downwards and reduces the risk of the plant staying too damp.

Signs of too much water

• Leaves become yellowish or pale rather than grey-green.
• Stems feel soft and, in worse cases, darken or blacken at the base.
• The soil around the plant stays damp long after watering.
• The plant droops even though the soil is not dry.

In late August, take particular care not to overwater. Lavender needs to establish but also approach autumn with firm, healthy growth rather than soft, water-filled shoots. If the soil is still moist when you check, wait a few more days before watering again.